5.5. SR 12-20-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Kevin D. Reiners Kyleen R. Reiners 14169 Cottonwood Street NW Andover, MN. 55304 October 22, 2004 To Whom It May Concern: Dear Sir or Madam: We are proposing to build a North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) approved riding and equestrian learning center on the property we are purchasing at 21554 Meadowvale Road, Elk River. My wife Kyleen and I have dedicated a large portion of our lives to children and children with disabilities. My wife as a care provider for children with disabilities and I as a Police Officer and DARE officer in Central Minnesota. My wife and I have been working with several physically challenged children in the Andover area; unfortunately we are required to board our horses, which create several challenges in working with these children on a regular basis. We have discussed in length with numerous people who have children that would qualify under NARHA guidelines and would greatly benefit from therapeutic riding. We have received commitments from several of these families to utilize the services that we will be providing. My wife and I are firm believers in the 4-H program and the wonderful things it brings to the community; in addition to therapeutic riding, our stable will be used for various 4-H equestrian programs, classes and training. We have three children; all of them participate and are very interested in our horses and these programs. They are a 14 year old daughter, a 10 year old son, and a 4 year old daughter that will be 5 in December. They are all willing to participate and assist in any way possible with these programs; in fact my oldest daughter is interested in becoming certified by NARHA to instruct these children. At the present time there are only four certified NARHA stables in the Minneapolis-51. Paul region that provide therapeutic riding for these children. Hoofbeats and Heartbeat's program in Otsego is consistently full and has an ex1ensive waiting list, which shows the great need for additional programs of this type. Hoofbeats and Heartbeats was opened by Linda and Greg Kreuser in 2001. Many past volunteers that have helped make these programs a success are past Govemor Jesse Ventura and his wife Tenry. They believed in the program so strongly, that they even donated Jesse's horse to the program, in addition to time and financial resources. Many local organizations believe so strongly in the programs that KARE 11 TV even setup a fundraiser to get the word out about the programs and services offered. An indoor arena with the stables for the program's horses will allow us to offer these services year round to children with disabilities. With Minnesota weather, an indoor riding and learning area is a requirement to provide year round services. This will allow us to start programs and not have to stop or go idle during the winter months. It is very diffcult to build muscle tone, self confidence, and independence with a large break in the middle of training; as the muscles need to be kept in use on a regular basis. The proposed size of the facility is a 90' x 120' stable and riding arena, which will be located on the property know as the house place with 15,4 acres. Perk tests were run on the property and is a build able area. It was originally an alfalfa field. The total property is 25,4 acres, including a 10 acre adjoining parcel. Placement of the facility is shown on the plat map by Oliver and Associates Surveying. ? 11 ,~ ~,j;~ ~ ;~.J ,. f" '.~ T~ ;1: ci ,] ~~ -? '-.. /'.- -/ / If my wife and are unable to receive a conditional use permit for the facility, we will need to withdraw our purchase offer on this property, which is contingent upon being able to have the facility located on the property. I am including additional background information on NARHA for your convenience and consideration.